We see ads and information about new products all the time. But how do we determine if something would be beneficial to add to our nutrition/health plan?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
Am I getting this through my diet/food?
Is it 3rd party tested by GMP, NSF, or certified by sport?
Am I having symptoms that could be improved by this supplement?
What does my health provider or dietitian recommend?
Let’s take a look at a couple of the most popular individual supplements.
Multivitamins!
A multivitamin is a great insurance policy for getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and nutrients daily. Sometimes it is hard to reach these through diet alone, especially if you tend to eat less vegetables or omit foods/ food groups. For example dairy for lactose sensitivity.
Age and gender are also important to consider. Many multivitamins are specific to gender and age group.
For example, premenopausal women may need more iron, while older adults need more calcium, vitamin D, and B6.
Next up, Vitamin D!
For average adults 18 to 70 years of age, it is recommended to get ~600 IU’s of Vitamin D daily.
These are general standards, and individual needs may vary. It’s always best to talk with your dr. before starting a supplement.
How is Vit D best taken?
Vit D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. For best absorption, take Vit D with a fat source or a meal.
Some studies suggest that vitamin D may suppress melatonin, so taking it at night may disrupt sleep for some individuals. Taking Vit D in the morning might help to avoid this.
In what ways can vitamin D be added to my diet?
Vit D can be taken in food or supplement form and can even come from being out in the Sunshine
Spending just 30 minutes during the summer in the Sun is a great way to soak up vitamin D. Try taking walks or even reading outside during the day when the sun is out!
This does not suffice as medical information, it’s always recommended to reach out to your doctor if you have questions about starting a new supplement.
